UNILORIN Graduate Wins Full Scholarship to Italy
Blessing Oluwafikayo Adisa, a Mathematics graduate from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has captured widespread attention after announcing she secured a fully funded Master's scholarship to study at the University of Calabria in Italy for the 2026/2027 academic year. Adisa graduated with a first-class degree and a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.76 out of 5.0.
On 3 July 2026, she shared her story on X (formerly Twitter), attaching an official acceptance letter from the university. The email, sent by Unical Admissions on 20 May 2026, confirmed her admission along with a scholarship package covering enrolment fees, free accommodation, campus meal services, and a pocket money allowance. As part of the visa process, she was required to complete pre-enrolment through the UNIVERSITALY portal by 10 June 2026 and to present her foreign academic qualifications with official Italian translations, an Apostille, and a Declaration of Value by 28 February 2027.
Financial Hurdle Prompts Public Appeal
Despite securing the scholarship, Adisa indicated that she still needed financial support to cover relocation expenses, prompting her to launch a GoFundMe campaign. Her post quickly gained traction, amassing 1.6 million views, over 470 retweets, and more than 2,200 likes on X.
The viral post caught the attention of former Senate President Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who responded directly on X with a message of support. He pledged to cover whatever remained of her relocation expenses and said a representative from his office would reach out to her that same day.
Saraki stated: "Dear Blessing, I just came across your tweet, and it truly inspired me. To graduate with a First Class in Mathematics from UNILORIN and then earn a fully funded Master's admission in Italy is an extraordinary achievement. You have demonstrated excellence and the promise that exists in so many young Nigerians. No young person who has worked this hard should have such an opportunity limited by the cost of getting there. It would be my privilege to support your journey by covering what is left in the cost of your relocation. @nancy_i_i from my office will reach out to you today. Congratulations once again. Go, excel, and continue to make Nigeria proud."
Public Reactions and Broader Context
The post drew warm congratulations and encouragement from across the country. User @iam_justken7 said: "I'm so so happy for you Blessing." @iamjuussty added: "Wow. Congratulations Fikayo." @AchikeNgozi commented: "Congratulations to you girl!! So proud of you and may God continue to bless and open doors for you in Jesus name, Amen. Global visibility I pray for you in Jesus name, amen."
In a related story, another UNILORIN graduate from the Department of Agriculture transformed her academic journey from a 1.3 CGPA to achieving a first-class degree, demonstrating resilience and hard work that earned her recognition and an award of excellence.
